9 Healthy Crowd-Pleasing Appetizers for Your Holiday Party
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Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or bringing a dish to share, these healthy appetizers are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. They’re simple to make, full of flavor and perfect for mingling all night long.
Holiday parties are my favorite kind of chaos. The music is loud, someone always shows up with a sparkling drink you’ve never seen before and the snacks disappear faster than you can set them down.
That’s why I always bring an appetizer that feels a little special but is still simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight. These nine recipes check all the boxes. I make them on repeat every December because they get people talking… and there’s never a single bite left behind.
If you want crowd-pleasers that look festive, taste amazing and lean on lighter ingredients, you’re in the right place.
1. Sausage Balls
These bite sized sausage balls come out tender and flavorful every time. They are so easy to make and always draw a crowd the moment they hit the table.
2. Cranberry Salsa
This fresh cranberry salsa brings a burst of bright, tangy flavor to any spread. It is a fun twist on classic salsa and feels extra festive during the holidays.
3. Smoked Salmon Dip
This creamy smoked salmon dip tastes like something you would order at a restaurant but takes only a few minutes to blend together. It is smooth, savory and perfect with crisp veggies or crackers.
4. Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates
Soft dates filled with creamy goat cheese make the perfect sweet and salty appetizer. These goat cheese stuffed dates feel elegant but require almost no prep.
5. Whipped Feta Dip
This whipped feta dip turns ultra creamy in seconds and has the perfect balance of tangy, bright and savory flavors. It is the kind of dip people scoop up quickly and then ask you for the recipe.
6. Bacon Wrapped Dates
These little bites combine salty bacon with warm, caramelized dates and the result is addictive. These bacon wrapped dates always vanish before the rest of the appetizers.
7. Shrimp Cocktail
Chilled shrimp with a zesty homemade cocktail sauce is an easy classic for a reason. This shrimp cocktail recipe is refreshing, simple and always a reliable hit at parties.
8. Party Nuts
These roasted party nuts are lightly sweet, warmly spiced and impossible to stop snacking on. They add the perfect crunchy element to any appetizer spread.
9. Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip
Creamy, spicy and full of protein, this buffalo chicken dip is a lighter option that still delivers the flavor everyone wants. It is bubbly, cozy and perfect for a group.
